Arrest Records by Name – Free Public Lookup & Search now

Arrest Records provide a publicly accessible snapshot of any individual taken into custody by a law enforcement agency, listing the person’s full name, date of birth, physical description, arrest date, arrest location, arresting agency, charge summary, and, when available, booking photograph and fingerprint reference. Because these documents originate at the county sheriff’s office or municipal police department, each jurisdiction maintains its own arrest records database, making a targeted search by name, by date, or by location essential for accurate results. Users can enter the subject’s legal name into the online portal of the relevant agency to retrieve an arrest record lookup that often displays the arrest number, case number, and current arrest status. The same entry point supports arrest records search by arresting agency, allowing investigators to trace the involvement of a particular sheriff’s office or police department. While the core data set is public, certain entries may be flagged as sealed or expunged, which removes them from general view and requires a qualified request to access it.

Arrest Records can be retrieved free of charge through most state and local portals that host an arrest database, and the steps begin by deciding which piece of identifying information is most reliable. If the full legal name and approximate birth year are known, a simple arrest record search online by name will return the arrest record number lookup, complete with arrest date, arrest location, and arresting agency details. When the date of an incident is known, users can narrow results with an arrest records search by date or by date range, while a known jurisdiction enables an arrest records search by county or by arresting agency. For cases where only a case or report number is available, an arrest record lookup by case number provides the official arrest information and any subsequent disposition updates. Keep in mind that records marked as sealed or expunged will not appear in public arrest records, and juvenile arrest history is protected from general access, so a request for those files may require a court order or documented permission. By combining name, date, and location filters, most people can locate the exact arrest history they need without incurring fees.

How to Search Arrest Records

You can search arrest records online through the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office public records portal. The portal lets you look up arrest history by name, date, location, arresting agency, or case number. Comprehensive public services and department administration across pierce county wa lookup are coordinated through official county divisions. Each search method returns specific data tied to that filter, so you should choose the method that matches the info you already have.

Official Search Portal https://www.piercecountywa.gov/5243/Public-Records-Request

Steps to Search

• Visit the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office public records page.
• Pick the search type that fits your needs: name, date, location, agency, or case number.
• Type the full legal name, exact date, street location, agency name, or case number into the search field.
• Review the results list showing the person’s name, arrest date, arrest location, and charges.
• Click on a record to see the full arrest details, case number, and arrest status.
• Submit a public records request if you need a certified copy of the arrest report.

Search by Name

A search by name uses the full legal name of the person you want to look up. You should type the last name first, then the first name, to get the best match. Adding a middle name or birth year helps narrow down the results when common names return several people. The portal will show arrest records linked to that name, along with the arrest date and the law enforcement agency that handled the arrest.

Search by Arrest Date

Searching by arrest date lets you find arrests that happened on a single day. Type the full date in the format the portal requests, such as month/day/year. This search works well when you remember the exact day of an event or have a police report with a specific arrest date on it. Results show all arrests recorded on that day within Pierce County.

Search by Arrest Location

A search by location uses the city, street address, or arrest area to find records. You can type a city name like Tacoma or Parkland to see all arrests in that area. Street-level searches work when you have a specific address where the arrest took place. This method is useful for community safety checks or neighborhood research.

Search by Arresting Agency

You can search by the law enforcement agency that made the arrest. Type the agency name, such as Pierce County Sheriff’s Office or a local police department, into the search field. This search helps when you know which agency handled the arrest but lack a person’s name or case number. The results show all arrests recorded by that agency.

Search by Case or Report Number

A case or report number search gives you the fastest path to one specific arrest. Type the exact case number or report number from a citation, court document, or police blotter entry. The portal returns the matching arrest record with full details, charge descriptions, and current case status. This method avoids name or date guesswork.

Information Needed for an Arrest Records Search

You should gather as much detail as possible before you start your search. Helpful data points include the person’s full legal name, date of birth, arrest date, arrest location, arresting agency, and case or report number. The portal does not ask for all of these at once, but having them ready speeds up the lookup. If you have a photo ID or driver’s license number for the subject, keep it nearby in case the search tool asks for it.

Arrest Record Information

An arrest record is the official document created when a person is taken into custody by law enforcement. Each record lists who was arrested, when and where it happened, which agency made the arrest, and what charges were filed. The record also shows the arrest status, which tells you whether the case is active, pending, or closed.

Person’s Name

The record lists the full legal name of the person who was arrested. This name matches the name on the person’s government-issued ID at the time of the arrest. Aliases or known nicknames may also appear if the agency recorded them during booking. The name field helps confirm you have the right record when common names return several results.

Arrest Date and Time

The arrest date shows the exact day the person was taken into custody. Many records also list the arrest time, which records the hour and minute the arrest happened. This data point is useful when you need to match an arrest with a specific incident, police call, or court date. The date and time come from the arresting officer’s report.

Arrest Location

The arrest location shows the street address, intersection, or area where the arrest took place. Some records list a general location such as a business name or park if a street address is not available. This field helps verify that an arrest happened in a specific city or county. You can use the location field to cross-check arrest records by area.

Arresting Agency

The arresting agency is the law enforcement department that took the person into custody. In Pierce County, this may be the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office, the Tacoma Police Department, or another local police agency. The agency field tells you which department created the arrest record and which one to contact for more details.

Arrest Number

An arrest number is a unique ID assigned to each arrest by the law enforcement agency. This number tracks the arrest through the agency’s records system. You can use the arrest number to request a copy of the arrest report from the agency that made the arrest. The arrest number stays the same even when the case moves to court.

Case Number

A case number is the court or prosecutor’s ID that follows the case after charges are filed. The case number is different from the arrest number and appears on court documents. You can search by case number in the Pierce County court records system to see hearings, plea deals, and final case outcomes. The case number links the arrest record to the court file.

Arrest Status

The arrest status tells you the current stage of the case. Active status means the case is still open. Pending status means charges have been filed but no plea or verdict has happened. Closed status means the case has reached a final outcome, such as dismissal, conviction, or sentence completion.

Available Arrest Details

The full arrest record shows arrest date, time, location, arresting agency, officer name, charges, and booking details. Some records also list the booking facility, custody status, and release or transfer date. Mugshots and fingerprints appear when the agency stores them in the arrest database.

Arrest Details

Arrest details go beyond the basic record and describe what led to the arrest, what happened during the arrest, and what happened next. These details come from the officer’s report and the booking process. They tell the full story of the arrest event.

Reason for Arrest

The reason for arrest is the legal cause that led the officer to take the person into custody. Common reasons include probable cause, an arrest warrant, a traffic stop with violations, or a citizen’s arrest authorized by law. The reason field appears in the officer’s narrative and supports the charges filed.

Arrest Charges

Arrest charges list the specific criminal offenses the person is accused of at the time of arrest. Each charge has a number, a legal description, and a classification such as misdemeanor or felony. The charges listed at arrest may change later as the prosecutor reviews the case.

Offense Description

The offense description is a plain-language summary of the charge. It explains what the person is accused of doing, such as theft, assault, or driving under the influence. This field helps you understand the charge without reading legal code.

Offense Classification

Offense classification groups charges by severity. Misdemeanors cover less serious offenses with shorter jail terms and lower fines. Felonies cover more serious offenses with longer prison terms and heavier fines. The classification affects bail, sentencing, and the court where the case is filed.

Arrest Circumstances

Arrest circumstances describe how the arrest took place. The report may note whether the arrest happened after a traffic stop, a domestic dispute call, a store shoplifting incident, or a warrant service. Circumstances also cover whether the person resisted arrest, was cooperative, or required medical attention.

Arresting Officer or Agency

The arresting officer or agency field names the specific officer who made the arrest and the agency they work for. This field is useful for filing public records requests, officer conduct complaints, or court subpoenas. Agency reports and officer reports both feed into the arrest record.

Associated Case Information

The associated case information links the arrest to a court case. It shows the court where charges were filed, the prosecutor assigned to the case, and the next hearing date. This data connects the arrest record to the larger criminal court process.

Arrest Charges and Offenses

Arrest charges are the criminal offenses listed at the time a person is taken into custody. Charges can be misdemeanors, felonies, or a combination of both. The charges listed at arrest form the basis of the court case that follows.

Misdemeanor Charges

Misdemeanor charges cover less serious offenses such as petty theft, simple assault, minor drug possession, and some traffic violations. The maximum penalty is usually up to one year in county jail. Misdemeanor arrests are processed in district or municipal court.

Felony Charges

Felony charges cover serious offenses such as robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, and major drug sales. The penalty can range from one year in prison to life without parole, depending on the offense. Felony cases move to superior court for prosecution.

Multiple Charges

A single arrest can result in several charges when the person is accused of breaking more than one law. For example, an arrest after a traffic stop may list charges for driving under the influence, possession of a controlled substance, and driving with a suspended license. Each charge carries its own court process.

Charge Numbers

Each charge in an arrest record has a unique number assigned by the booking or prosecutor’s office. The charge number tracks that specific offense through court hearings, plea deals, and sentencing. You can use charge numbers to look up updates on each charge separately.

Charge Descriptions

Charge descriptions explain the offense in plain language. They may include details such as the date of the alleged crime, the victim’s name, the value of stolen property, or the type of weapon involved. The description helps the public understand what the person is accused of doing.

Original and Updated Charges

The original charges are the offenses listed at the time of arrest. Updated charges reflect changes made by the prosecutor after reviewing the evidence. Charges may be added, dropped, or reclassified as the case moves through court.

Pending Charges

Pending charges are offenses that have been filed but not yet resolved by the court. A pending charge status means the case is still active and waiting for a hearing, plea deal, or trial. Pending charges can change before the case closes.

Arrest Records by Date and Location

You can narrow arrest records by date or location to find specific events. Date searches work when you know the day of the arrest. Location searches work when you know the city or street where the arrest took place. Combining both filters gives you the most accurate results.

Search by Arrest Date

Type a specific day in the date search field to see all arrests made that day. This filter is helpful when you want to confirm an arrest that happened on a known date. The portal returns every arrest recorded on that day within the selected jurisdiction.

Search by Date Range

A date range search covers arrests made between a start date and an end date. Use this filter to track arrest patterns over a week, month, or year. Date range searches are useful for journalists, community organizers, and legal researchers who study local crime trends.

Search by City

Type the city name to see all arrests recorded in that city. Pierce County cities include Tacoma, Lakewood, Puyallup, University Place, and others. Each city search returns arrests handled by the police agency that covers that area.

Search by Street Address

A street address search works when you know where the arrest happened but not the people involved. Type the full street name or intersection to see arrests at that location. This search is useful for property managers, business owners, and neighborhood watch groups.

Search by Arrest Area or District

Type a district name or beat area to see arrests in that patrol zone. Police agencies divide their jurisdiction into districts or beats for patrol purposes. District searches help track public safety issues in specific neighborhoods.

Historical Arrest Records

Historical arrest records cover arrests made months or years ago. The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office keeps historical records available through public records requests. Older records may take longer to retrieve because they are stored in archive systems.

Arresting Agency Records

Each law enforcement agency keeps its own arrest records. The agency that made the arrest creates the original record and stores it in its database. You should contact the right agency to get the most complete records.

Sheriff’s Office Arrest Records

The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office arrest records cover arrests made in unincorporated areas of the county and in cities that contract with the sheriff. These records include arrest reports, booking photos, and incident details. You can request sheriff arrest records through the public records portal.

Police Department Arrest Records

City police departments, such as Tacoma Police Department or Lakewood Police Department, keep records for arrests made within city limits. Each department has its own public records request process. Police department records often include more detail about local incidents than county records.

County Law Enforcement Records

County law enforcement records cover arrests made by the sheriff’s office and other county agencies. These records include arrests at county facilities, parks, and unincorporated roads. County records are a good starting point for searches tied to a wide area.

State Law Enforcement Records

State law enforcement agencies, such as the Washington State Patrol, keep records for arrests on state highways and at state facilities. These records cover incidents on interstate freeways and state-owned property within Pierce County. State records often list the agency report number for cross-referencing.

Multi-Agency Arrest Records

Some arrests involve more than one agency. Joint operations, task forces, and mutual aid calls create multi-agency arrest records. The lead agency usually holds the primary record, while partner agencies keep copies. You may need to contact both agencies to get full details.

Agency Report Numbers

Each law enforcement agency assigns its own report number to every arrest. The report number appears on the arrest record and links the arrest to the agency’s internal database. Use this number when you file a public records request with a specific agency.

Arrest Records and Booking Information

An arrest and a booking are two separate steps in the custody process. The arrest happens when the officer takes the person into custody. The booking happens when the person is processed at a jail or holding facility. Booking creates a separate set of records.

Arrest vs. Booking

The arrest is the act of taking a person into custody. The booking is the processing step that records the person’s identity, charges, fingerprints, and photograph. Arrest records come from the officer’s report, while booking records come from the jail intake process.

Booking Number

The booking number is a unique ID assigned to each person processed at a jail. It tracks the person through their stay in custody. The booking number stays the same for that intake, even if the person is transferred to another facility.

Booking Date

The booking date is the day the person was processed at the jail. The booking date may differ from the arrest date when there is a delay between arrest and transport. Both dates appear on the full arrest record.

Booking Facility

The booking facility is the jail or holding center where the person was processed. Pierce County arrests are typically booked into the Pierce County Jail. The booking facility field tells you where to direct inmate-related questions.

Booking Charges

Booking charges are the offenses listed when the person was processed. These charges usually match the arrest charges but may be updated based on new evidence gathered during intake. Cleaning photos and fingerprints are taken during booking.

Custody Status

Custody status tells you where the person is right now. Active custody means the person is still in jail. Released means the person has posted bail or finished their sentence. Transferred means the person was moved to another facility or state agency.

Release or Transfer Information

Release or transfer information lists when the person left jail and where they went. Release may happen through bail, court order, sentence completion, or transfer to another agency. This field updates as the custody status changes.

Arrest Records and Warrants

Warrants and arrests often go together. An officer may arrest a person because of an active warrant, or an arrest may lead to a warrant if the person fails to appear in court. Knowing the warrant status helps you understand why an arrest happened.

Arrests Based on Warrants

Many arrests happen because of an outstanding warrant. A warrant is a court order for the arrest of a named person. When an officer finds a person with an active warrant, they take that person into custody right away.

Warrant-Related Arrest Information

Warrant-related arrest information includes the warrant type, issuing court, charge, and date of issue. The arrest record notes whether the arrest was warrant-based. Warrant arrests usually have a warrant number tied to the arrest number.

Active Warrant Status

Active warrant status means the warrant is still in force and has not been served or recalled. A person with an active warrant can be arrested at any time. Warrant status updates once the warrant is served, recalled, or expires.

Bench Warrant Arrests

A bench warrant is issued by a judge when a person fails to appear in court. Bench warrant arrests happen after missed court dates, unpaid fines, or violated probation terms. The judge sets the warrant, and any officer can arrest the person.

Arrest Without a Warrant

Some arrests happen without a warrant. An officer can arrest a person without a warrant when they see a crime happen, have probable cause, or respond to a domestic violence call. These arrests rely on the officer’s judgment and the facts of the situation.

Warrant Records vs. Arrest Records

Warrant records show warrants that have not yet led to an arrest. Arrest records show arrests that have already happened. A person can appear in warrant records without showing up in arrest records if the warrant has not been served yet.

Arrest Records and Court Cases

An arrest often leads to a court case, but the two are separate records. Arrest records come from law enforcement. Court records come from the court system. The case number connects them.

Case Number

The case number is the ID assigned by the court when charges are filed. It tracks the case through hearings, plea deals, trials, and sentencing. The case number appears on both the arrest record and the court record.

Court Case Information

Court case information lists the court name, judge, prosecutor, defense attorney, and hearing schedule. You can look up court case information through the Pierce County Clerk’s Office or the Washington State Courts portal.

Filing of Charges

After arrest, the prosecutor reviews the case and decides whether to file charges. Filed charges become the basis of the court case. Some arrests do not lead to filed charges, which means no court case is created.

Court Hearings

Court hearings are scheduled events where a judge reviews the case. Hearings include arraignment, pre-trial motions, plea hearings, trials, and sentencing. The court calendar lists the date, time, and purpose of each hearing.

Case Disposition

The case disposition is the final outcome of the court case. Dispositions include conviction, dismissal, acquittal, deferred prosecution, or sentence completion. The disposition appears on the court record and may also update the arrest record.

Arrest Record vs. Court Record

An arrest record shows what happened at the time of arrest. A court record shows what happened in court. The arrest record lists the arrest, while the court record lists the legal outcome. Both records together tell the full story.

Arrest Does Not Establish Guilt

An arrest is not the same as a conviction. Under U.S. law, a person is presumed innocent until proven guilty. An arrest record shows that an officer had probable cause to take the person into custody. A conviction requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Arrest Record Status

Arrest records change status as the case moves through the legal system. Status updates tell you whether the case is still active or has closed. Status changes affect how the record appears in public searches.

Active Arrest Records

An active arrest record means the case is still open. The person may be in custody, out on bail, or awaiting trial. Active records show the latest charge information and current custody status.

Pending Cases

Pending cases are cases where charges have been filed but no final outcome has been reached. The court is still working on the case. Pending cases appear in arrest records until they reach disposition.

Closed Arrest Records

Closed arrest records show that the case has reached a final outcome. The closure may be due to dismissal, conviction, sentence completion, or other final action. Closed records remain on file but no longer change status.

Dismissed Charges

Dismissed charges are charges that the court or prosecutor dropped. Dismissal can happen before trial or during trial. Dismissed charges still appear on the arrest record but are marked as dismissed.

Charges Reduced or Changed

Charges can be reduced or changed through plea deals or prosecutor review. A felony may be reduced to a misdemeanor. Charges may also be added based on new evidence. Each charge change is noted on the updated arrest record.

Case Disposition

Case disposition is the legal end of the case. The disposition lists the final charge, plea, verdict, and sentence. Disposition appears on both the arrest record and the court record.

Record Updates

Arrest records are updated as the case progresses. Updates include new charges, court dates, custody changes, and final dispositions. The update date appears on the record so you know when the data was last refreshed.

Arrest Records and Mugshots

Mugshots are photographs taken during the booking process. They are part of the arrest record in most jurisdictions. Some agencies post mugshots online, while others keep them only in their internal systems.

Booking Photograph Availability

Booking photograph availability depends on the agency’s policy and the record’s status. Recent booking photos are posted on some agency websites or third-party sites. Older booking photos may only be available through a public records request.

Arrest Record and Mugshot Differences

An arrest record lists who was arrested and why. A mugshot is a photo of the person at the time of booking. The arrest record gives text details, while the mugshot gives a visual record. Both come from the same booking event.

Matching a Mugshot to an Arrest Record

To match a mugshot to an arrest record, compare the booking date, booking number, and arrest number. These IDs link the photo to the specific arrest. The person’s name and physical description also help confirm the match.

Missing Booking Photographs

Booking photographs may be missing for several reasons. The photo file may have been lost, archived, or never uploaded. Some agencies remove mugshots after a set period. Missing photos can also result from sealed or expunged records.

Photograph Access Restrictions

Photograph access may be restricted by law or agency policy. Juvenile records, sealed cases, and active investigations often limit photo access. Some states also have laws that restrict mugshot publishing for profit.

Arrest Records and Public Access

Arrest records are generally public in Washington State. The Public Records Act (RCW 42.56) gives the public the right to view most arrest records. Some records are restricted by law to protect privacy or active investigations.

Public Arrest Information

Public arrest information includes the person’s name, arrest date, arrest location, arresting agency, and charges. This data appears in public arrest databases and on the agency’s website. Public info helps residents, employers, and reporters verify arrest events.

Online Arrest Records

Online arrest records are available through agency portals, court websites, and third-party search tools. The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office public records portal is the official source. Third-party sites may have older data but should not be the only source.

Records Available by Request

Records available by request include full arrest reports, officer narratives, witness statements, and incident details. You can request these through the public records portal, by mail, or in person. Some requests may require a fee.

Redacted Arrest Information

Redacted arrest information has sensitive details removed before release. Common redactions include victim names, witness identities, Social Security numbers, and juvenile identifiers. Redacted records still show the basic arrest details.

Confidential Information

Confidential information is removed from public records by law. Examples include medical details, mental health records, and certain juvenile data. Confidential info is only released to authorized parties such as law enforcement, the courts, or the subject of the record.

Juvenile Arrest Records

Juvenile arrest records are protected from public view in Washington State. Access to juvenile records is limited to the courts, law enforcement, the juvenile’s attorney, and parents or guardians. Most juvenile records are sealed when the juvenile turns 18.

Active Investigation Restrictions

Active investigation restrictions limit public access to arrest records during open probes. Agencies may withhold records that could compromise an investigation. Restrictions lift once the investigation closes.

Obtaining Arrest Records

You can obtain arrest records through online portals, in-person visits, or mail requests. Each method has its own process, fees, and processing times. Pick the method that matches your timeline and needs.

Online Records Requests

Online records requests are the fastest way to get arrest records. Visit the Pierce County public records portal, fill out the request form, and submit it. You will get a tracking number and an estimated delivery date for your records.

In-Person Requests

In-person requests let you talk directly with the records office staff. Visit the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office at the address listed below. Bring a photo ID and the details of the record you want, such as the person’s name or case number.

Mail Requests

Mail requests work for people who cannot visit in person. Send a written request to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office records unit. Include the person’s name, date of birth, arrest date, and case number if known. Add a self-addressed stamped envelope and any required fees.

Required Request Information

You should include the full name of the person, date of birth, arrest date, arrest location, and case or arrest number. Add your contact info so the records office can reach you with questions or status updates. Clear info speeds up the request.

Copy Fees

Copy fees cover the cost of printing and mailing records. Pierce County charges a per-page copy fee set by Washington State law. You can pay by check, money order, or in person. Fee waivers may be available for media or research requests.

Processing Times

Processing times depend on the request type and the agency’s workload. Simple searches may return results in a few days. Larger requests with many records may take several weeks. The records office will give you an estimate when you file your request.

Certified Copies

Certified copies are official copies with a stamp or seal that proves the record’s authenticity. Courts, employers, and government agencies often require certified copies. You can request certified copies through the public records portal or in person.

Arrest Record Accuracy and Limitations

Arrest records are official documents, but they can contain errors or delays. Knowing the limits of arrest record data helps you use the records correctly. Always verify key facts through official sources.

Official Record Sources

Official record sources include the arresting agency, the court clerk, and the Washington State Patrol. These sources keep the most accurate and up-to-date arrest data. Third-party websites may have older or incomplete data.

Recently Updated Arrest Information

Recently updated arrest information reflects the latest case status. The update date on each record tells you when the data was last refreshed. Recent updates include new charges, court dates, and disposition changes.

Delayed Record Updates

Delayed record updates happen when the agency has not yet entered new data into the system. Bookings, court outcomes, and case closures can take days or weeks to show up online. Delays are common during high-volume periods.

Incorrect Arrest Information

Incorrect arrest information may appear due to data entry errors, name spelling issues, or misclassification. If you spot an error, contact the records office to request a correction. You may need to provide proof of the correct info.

Duplicate Records

Duplicate records appear when the same arrest is listed twice. This can happen when two systems share data. Look for matching arrest numbers, dates, and locations to spot duplicates.

Sealed or Expunged Records

Sealed or expunged records are removed from public view by court order. These records do not appear in standard searches. Access requires a court order or specific legal authority.

Limitations of Arrest Records

Arrest records have limits. They do not show final court outcomes unless updated. They do not prove guilt. They may be missing details due to active investigations or redactions. Use arrest records as a starting point, not a final source.

Search Problems

You may run into problems when searching arrest records. Common issues include missing records, name spelling errors, and restricted files. Knowing how to solve these problems saves time.

Arrest Record Not Found

An arrest record may not be found because the data has not been entered yet. Recent arrests can take 24 to 72 hours to appear online. If the record still does not show up after a few days, contact the records office directly.

Incorrect Name or Spelling

An incorrect name or spelling can stop a search from working. Try variations of the name, including middle names, nicknames, and date of birth. Spelling errors are common with foreign names or hyphenated last names.

Incorrect Arrest Date

An incorrect arrest date can hide a record from the search. Try a wider date range or search by name instead. Confirm the date through court documents or police reports when possible.

Missing Case Number

A missing case number makes it harder to find a specific arrest. Try searching by name, date, or location instead. Case numbers are assigned after charges are filed, so very recent arrests may not have one yet.

Record Not Yet Available

A record not yet available may be still being processed. Booking, charges, and court filings each take time. You can also cross-reference these findings by accessing verified bench warrants official records online. Wait a few days and try the search again.

Restricted Record

A restricted record is blocked from public view by law or court order. Juvenile records, sealed cases, and active investigations are restricted. You may need a court order to view restricted records.

Archived Arrest Record

An archived arrest record is stored in an older system that the online portal may not search. Older records may require a manual request to the records office. Archive retrieval may take longer than recent records.

Contact Information

For official arrest records, public records requests, and certified copies, contact the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office Public Disclosure unit.

• Department: Pierce County Sheriff’s Office / Public Disclosure
• Official URL: https://www.piercecountywa.gov/5243/Public-Records-Request
• Search Records URL: Public Records Request
• Phone: 253-798-4800
• Email: SHRpublicrecords@piercecountywa.gov
• Address: 3602 Pacific Ave. S. #100, Tacoma, WA 98418

Frequently Asked Questions

Arrest Records help you verify whether a person has been taken into custody by law enforcement. The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office offers a public portal where you can view arrest history, charge details, and booking dates. Knowing how to use this service saves time and prevents extra fees. Each lookup returns data that ties to the filter you enter, so choose the method that matches the facts you already have.

What details do I need to look up an arrest record by name?

You should have the exact first and last name as it appears on official documents. Adding a middle initial or date of birth improves accuracy, especially for common names. The portal lets you type the name in the search box; it then filters records by name and shows matching entries. If multiple matches appear, use the birth date column to pick the correct individual. No payment is required for name searches.

How do I find arrest records by case number or specific date?

Enter the case number in the “Case Number” field on the portal. The system pulls the exact arrest tied to that identifier, displaying charge codes and booking time. For date searches, choose the “Arrest Date” filter and set a start and end date. The portal lists all arrests within that range, ordered by newest first. This method is useful when you know when an incident occurred but not the person’s name.

Can I request a certified copy of an arrest record?

Yes. After finding the record online, click the “Request Certified Copy” button on the results page. Fill out the short form with your contact information and pay the small processing fee using a credit card. The Sheriff’s Office will mail the certified document within ten business days. Certified copies include a seal and official signature, which are required for legal filings or background checks.

Are arrest records public, and can they be sealed or expunged?

Arrest Records are generally public unless a court order seals them or the person receives an expungement. If a record is sealed, the portal will show a notice that the information is not available. To learn whether a specific record is sealed, contact the court that handled the case or the Sheriff’s Office at 253-798-4800. Requests for sealed or expunged files must follow the legal process outlined by Washington state law.